The best films of 2013 (so far) (original) (raw)
Earlier this week we asked readers to vote for the film they thought had been the best of the year so far. Here are the results – a fairly eclectic top ten, with some leftfield choices alongside the blockbusters you'd expect to see do well in a public vote.
We've included some supporting statements from our esteemed voters, along with links to our reviews of the films. Disagree with the results? Perturbed by the absence of Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters? Let us know in the thread below.
10. Man of Steel
Flying high … Henry Cavill as Superman. The film set a new US record for a June opening weekend of $113.1m. Photograph: Sportsphoto Ltd/Allstar/Warner Bros
"Finally showed what fighting with superpowers could be like. Also a more adult take on superheroes" Chris Doré
"I thought matching the Richard Donner film was an impossible task but I was wrong." Kevin O'Connor
9. Spring Breakers
Spring Breakers stars Heather Morris, Selena Gomez, Ashley Benson, James Franco and Vanessa Hudgens. Photograph: Allstar/Muse Productions/Sportsphoto Ltd./Allstar
"A bold, visually dazzling, provocative, hilarious and moving film that confirms Harmony Korine as the most important filmmaker of his generation." Daniel Hickin
"A topography of young people's minds, a secret treasure map revealing hidden desires and mutated G-Spots of the 21st century." Johannes Lehnen
8. Iron Man 3
Iron Man 3: watch the trailer - video Photograph: guardian.co.uk
"Hilarious, clever, non-stop entertainment that had me grinning throughout." Louise Crane
"Its dark, funny and clever. My kids love Iron Man and its strikes a perfect balance for a superhero film." Paul Healy
7. Behind the Candelabra
Behind the Candelabra
"Michael Douglas is superb – touching and believable. So glad the British have given it the credit it deserves by screening the film in cinemas, unlike the American film industry." Izzie B
"Quite simply, it's everything you want in a good film. It looks stunning, has top-notch performances all round, contains real laugh out loud moments as well as being really quite unexpectedly moving. Plus add on top of that sequins, Matt Damon in a speedo and Rob Lowe's face and you have not just a good film, but a great one." Caitlin
6. Stoker
Nicole Kidman and Matthew Goode in the 'deeply annoying' Stoker. Photograph: Sportsphoto/Allstar
"One of the most beautiful films of the year and in fact one of the most beautiful of Park Chan-Wook's career. Matthew Goode's subtly macabre turn had me leave the cinema with a nasty taste in my mouth that I am yet to get rid of and don't think I will lose for the rest of the year. It's sublime film making." Saul Allerton
"Definitely a film for multiple viewings, the banality of evil sprinkled with angel dust, that's entertainment." Stephen Lucas
5. Mud
Nichols wrote Mud with Matthew McConaughey in mind while he was still in college Photograph: Jim Bridges
"It's Shane meets Stand by Me." John Fitzgerald
"It's Americana, coming of age, loss of innocence all rolled into one. Great performances throughout including the continuing revival of McConaughey's career. It confirms Jeff Nichols as the director to watch." Carl Albanese
"It's beguiling, beautifully shot, brilliantly acted, moving, deeply human, and full of exquisite cinematic moments." Rupert
4. Star Trek Into Darkness
Zachary Quinto and Chris Pine in a film still from Star Trek Into Darkness.
"A wonderful summer blockbuster with action, suspense, and heart. This year's Avengers." Sam Jones
"As a something of an art house cinema lover, I was completely surprised and blown away by this audio visual extravaganza. I had been very sceptical of all this 3D business but couldn't have enjoyed this more. A rip roaring thrill ride that made me completely forget about real life for a couple of hours. Precisely what good entertainment should do." Allan Bain
"What a delight to see a Hollywood movie present judicial process – rather than rampaging revenge – as the correct measure to take against a homeland attack." Will Strange
3. The Great Gatsby
CAREY MULLIGAN & JOEL EDGERTON meet each other in a scene of the film the Great Gatsby Photograph: Allstar/WARNER BROS. PICTURES/Sportsphoto Ltd.
"A fresh and original take on a classic that has never translated particularly well to the big screen. An unexpected triumph, with superb performances and a soundtrack that is mostly thrilling." Stephen Lawlor
"This is a great film. At long last, Luhrmann has achieved his magnum opus." Michael Carmichael
"Amazingly cinematic. Baz gives the tale a Shakespearian heft and universality instead of falling into the trap of making a costume drama." William Malcomson
2. The Place Beyond The Pines
Ryan Gosling as the violent, wilful and lawless Luke who tries to assume his parental responsibilities in The Place Beyond The Pines. Photograph: Atsushi Nishijima
"Innovative, thorough, painful, Shakespearean, great performances." Ricardo Vargas
"When a film surprises you, grabs you whole, entices you, and moves you this much, it must be exceptional. You even love its faults. Lovely!" Hannu Björkbacka
"An epic drama with wonderful performances from Bradley Cooper and of course the man himself Ryan Gosling. Great father son relationship study." akbar
1. Django Unchained
Django Unchained star Jamie Foxx. Photograph: Weinstein Co./Sportsphoto/Allstar
"Tarantino's most complete film since Pulp Fiction, it rises above mere homage to become a classic Western in its own right. Samuel L. Jackson, Leonardo Di Caprio and Jamie Foxx have never been better, and Christoph Waltz is even better than them." Doug Scott
"Excellent acting, fantastic soundtrack, perfect direction, engrossing adventure. Totally mesmerized from start to finish." Matthew Atherton
"Disturbing, terrifying, hilarious, uncompromising." Gemma O'Donnell
"Far and away the best movie of 2013. From soundtrack to cinematography to the outstanding performances of the actors to Quenten's unique blend of ultra violence and opéra bouffe, Django is an exploding horse head of film magic, fabulous music and just deserts, destined to be a classic." Sean Malloy